Recent achievements in single photon detectors and their applications

Authors: I. Prochazka1; K. Hamal1; B. Sopko1

Source: Journal of Modern Optics, Volume 51, Numbers 9-10, 15 June-10 July 2004 , pp. 1289-1313(25)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

Solid state single photon detectors are receiving more and more attention in a number of areas of applied physics: optical sensors, communications, quantum cryptography, optical ranging and Lidar, time resolved spectroscopy, opaque media imaging and ballistic photon identification. This paper reports on results of research and development in the field of solid state single photon detectors at the Czech Technical University in Prague over the last 20 years. Avalanche photodiodes specifically designed for single photon counting devices have been developed based on various semiconductor materials: Si, Ge, GaP, GaAs and InGaAs. Electronic circuits for biasing, quenching and control of these detectors have been developed and optimized for different applications. The sensitivity of solid state photon counters spans from 0.1 nanometre X-rays up to 1800 nanometres in the near infrared region. Timing resolution of solid state photon counters as high as 50 picoseconds full width at a half maximum has been achieved when detecting single photon signals. Circuits permitting operation of solid state photon counters in both single and multiple photon signal regimes have been developed and applied. The compact and rugged design, radiation resistance, and low operating voltage are attractive features of solid state photon counters in various space projects.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/09500340410001670785

Affiliations: 1: Czech Technical University in Prague Brehova str.7 115 19 Prague 1 Czech Republic, Email: prochazk@mbox.cesnet.cz

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$45.29 plus tax      Refund Policy

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Share this item with others: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A